We are keeping it quiet this year. For the last few years, we have always made a big deal during Christmas. We always felt obligated to really show the 3 kids how spectacular Christmas morning can feel. We always went overboard with gifts and spent way too much. This year we focused more on the ”togetherness” of the season. Making cookies, decorating the house, donating items at toys for tots, Christmas games, and activities has been filling the house up with the holiday spirit.  And I think the family itself is more relaxed and comfortable. The adoption was finalized in the spring and everyone feels a bit of relieve from that. The kids are settled into school by now. There is a sense of peace and serenity here, which is a great feeling. Of course, Santa will be stopping by our house next week but his bundle will be a little lighter than usual. Happy Holidays!!!!!!  

Kimberly Wragge  http:www.kimsautismawareness.com

We have always struggled with haircuts in this house. Anthony (ASD,12) has always had a difficult time. He is so hypersensitive to tactile stimulation. He doesn’t like anything or anyone touching his head. I can remember when we had to hold him down to use the buzzers. Then we went into the bribery stage. First haircut Then toy store. Anthony does a lot better now but he still tries to avoid it and cringes when it has to get done. Destiny (ASD, 10) has also had her issues but not being scared of haircuts, she became obsessed with cutting her own hair. We had to hide all the scissors in the house. But she will still find a pair and decide to be her own stylist. and of course, it was always the night before school pictures or a family gathering. Thank goodness, our neighbor is a hair stylist and can come over and “fix” her hair.

Kimberly Wragge  http:www.kimsautismawareness.com

Here’s the link to an interesting article. Moms of children with autism have similar stress to soldiers in training. Similities include chronic stress, frequent fatigue, and work interrruptions. It makes perfect sense to me. After reading this, I have concluded that I am entitled to treat myself because of the stress!!!!

 http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2009/11/10/autism-moms-stress/6121/

Kimberly Wragge  http:www.kimsautismawareness.com

Consistent hand dominance starts to develop between two and three years old. By age 6, a child’s hand dominance should be evident. Hand dominance is which hand your child uses to complete most daily tasks. It’s the hand the holds the cup of juice and colors with. Establishing hand dominance is essential to all motor function, especially handwriting.

 Individuals who are equally dominant in both hands used to be commonly known as being ambidextrous. We have since learned that this is an extremely rare condition. Most children who “switch hands” during writing may have difficulties with bilateral integration, which is coordinating both sides of the body to perform a task. Both sides of the body need to know what their roles are in a specific task.

 Kimberly Wragge    http:www.kimsautismawareness.com

I just read an article about the importance of sleep in children. The article stated that the expects recommend 9-11 hours of sleep for an elementary age child. With today’s child being overloaded with increased school assignments, after school activities, and just the social pressure, sleep is needed to rejuvenate their mind and body. I work with students every day that are so sleep deprived, they can’t concentrate on their class work. When asked about their bedtime, they usually say they watch TV in their rooms until 11 or 12 at night. So it’s no wonder why they are cranky and resistive to get out of bed at 7 in the morning. They are still tired. And then have to go to school and be expected to pay attention for up to 6 hours of academics. They are just not getting enough fuel to get them moving and last throughout the day. I would say that our children getting enough sleep isn’t just important it’s a vital component of their success..